*This is a paid feature
Meet Hello Recovery, a sustainable indie business with a focus on supporting people in their recovery from mental health issues.
SoLo Craft Fair sits down with founder Hannah to discuss what led to the creation of the company, her successful product range and her plans to expand the business this year.
“I'm Hannah, I'm 22 years old and I'm the founder and sole worker of Hello Recovery. I love everything arts and crafts, alongside climbing and exploring! I studied Industrial Design at university and graduated last summer, and I’m now working full-time as an industrial designer and continuing Hello Recovery as my side hustle!”
“In 2013 I was diagnosed with anorexia (and depression and anxiety) and it took the next few years of treatment and therapy to start my recovery journey. With a lot of hard work and support from friends and family, I am so proud to say I beat anorexia. When I was ill I realised there was very little out there to help you recover or look after your mental health... if you break your leg there’s a whole variety of tools and aids to help you get better or to make things more comfortable, so why isn’t this the same for mental health? I wanted to do something about it and so Hello Recovery was born.”
“I've been running Hello Recovery since 2015, and in that time I have sold over 500 personalised spoons (my very first product)! My bestselling products are the hand-stamped spoons and The Breathe Journal – a journal designed to help you look after your mental health.”
“I currently hand-stamp my metal products (personalised spoons and bracelets) at home in my garage, and print postcards off on my printer at home. I get the journal outsourced at a UK supplier who uses sustainably sourced paper and is carbon neutral. The environment is hugely important to me so all products and packaging are recyclable and better for the planet.”
“I originally designed the personalised spoons to provide positive reinforcement to those with eating disorders during difficult mealtimes, but their popularity has grown past that! People now buy them for a whole range of occasions from birthdays to anniversaries. The Breathe Journal is a space for you to focus on your mental wellbeing, providing a balance of coping strategies, techniques, distractions and activities. It is the perfect companion to anyone wanting to improve their mental health, whether you're diagnosed with a mental health condition or just looking to keep healthy and happy. Journals are £12.00 and are printed on sustainably sourced paper and come with free eco-friendly gift wrapping.”
“I launched The Breathe Journal in April last year and after its success I am beginning to work on more new products! I have recently launched a positive postcard pack and am currently working on the designs of self-care stickers that will be released in the coming months. I am also working on a special edition gift set of my journal which I am so excited about!”
“I’ve been spending a lot more time and energy growing my social media platforms to reach more people and connect with other small businesses and makers, especially those supporting mental health. I love connecting with other small businesses and have taken part in networking events and some group giveaways over the last few months. I'm always open to collaborations!”
“My advice to anyone wanting to start a small business is to go for it! You don’t have to have loads of followers or a lot of money, you just need to have passion and motivation! Before you start, try to do as much research as possible into existing products, trends and understanding the problem you’re trying to solve! Small businesses love to rally around and support each other, so definitely spend time getting to know the brilliant community of makers that are about.”